SELVARAJU ‘STICKS’ TO EUROPE
Former UniKL striker receives Level III coaching certificate in Italy
WHILE foreign hockey coaches are flocking to Malaysia in droves, S. Selvaraju is fast making his name in Italy.
First as a player in the Italian League, and now a budding development coach who just received his Level III coaching certificate.
And it’s just a step away from the next level, which will allow him to coach all over Europe.
“I started my overseas career by playing in the German League in 2006 (and scored five goals in 12 Division One matches for Moenchengladbach).
“That started my thirst to venture overseas, and after playing for Malaysia in the Invercargill World Cup Qualifier (2009) I received many offers and played in France, New Zealand and Italy,” said the 33-year-old former Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) striker.
“And while playing in Italy, I also started development work with the juniors, and slowly climbed up the ladder until I earned a Level III coaching certificate.
“After this, I will try to pass Level IV, which will enable me to coach anywhere in Europe,” said the Perak-born Anderson School boy.
Selvaraju is also a free agent who does not take a cut, but have placed more than 50 Malaysians all over the world.
The most recent was helping four women national players to ply their trade in Europe nine months ago.
Selvaraju’s connections helped Nuraini Abdul Rashid and Fatin Shafika Shukri join Butterfly Roma Hockey Club in Italy, while Hanis Nadiah Onn and Wan Norfaezah Saiuti went to Germany’s Sportverein Zehlendorfer Wespen 1911,
It was the first time in women’s hockey history that four players went overseas and were paid to play, not pay to play like previously.
“I’m happy to be a free agent, and I have been doing this for a long time and have helped many Malaysians venture overseas. And when the Malaysian women arrive in Italy on May 23 to play a series of matches to get ready for their Belfast Series Finals, I will be there to welcome them as well.
“I am in contact with women’s coach (K) Dharmaraj and will help secure some matches as well as help them have a comfortable stay on their way to Scotland and then Belfast,” said Selvaraju.
And does he want to coach the Malaysian national team?
“After I learn the ropes in Europe, one day, for sure I would like to return to Malaysia and develop hockey on my home turf as well.”
And did he have a hand in Italy shocking Malaysia 4-2 in the recent Series Finals?
“I know the coach as well as the team manager, and have played with many of them in the Italian League.
“But no, I did not have a hand in that famous Italian win over Malaysia,” said Selvaraju.